Parents and Families

Welcome
Western
Families!

We're Glad You're Here!

Parents and family members are important partners in supporting student success at Western Washington University. New Student Services/Family Outreach (NSSFO) provides outreach and services to help strengthen student and family connection to Western through weekly office hour appointments, a monthly e-newsletter, and 24/7 access to campus resources using the online tools below. Whether you are a brand new Western family, or family of a returning student, use the links and resources on this page to learn about our campus community and continue to stay involved in your student's experience at Western!

Do You Have a New Western Student?

Start here with the link below to the Welcome New Families Orientation page and Checklist. Then come back to this page to explore the other resources and quick links to information if you find you're still needing more.

Note: While the New Family Checklist is specifically curated for those with students beginning at Western for the very first time, there may still be information you'd like to reference again, whether your student is in their second quarter, second year, or beyond! Feel free to explore the Checklist no matter where you are in supporting your student's journey at Western!

New Family Orientation and Next Steps Checklist

wwu orientation in blue text on a white background with a blue triangle pointer shape in a compass ring

Our Welcome New Families page is your guide to our two-part orientation experience, including a New Family Next Steps Checklist, designed to support your new student beginning their journey at Western!

Review New Family Next Steps

Do You Have a Returning Western Student?

As a returning family member, you have a student already at Western! Thank you for your continued support and participation in their academic journey.

We wanted to make it easy for you to still be involved and stay connected to your Western student, even with the first quarter or two out of the way - there are still ways for you to be active as a returning family!

Check out these resources we've put together, and the quick links below to have easy access to some of the most visited pages on Western's websites. Please let us know if you're not finding what you're looking for - we're here to help!

Viking Resource Hub

an aerial view of red square on a sunny day with the blue fountain and many people gathered and tables out for an info fair

Visit our directory that allows you to locate campus resources, services, and departments organized by their function rather than by unfamiliar department names. 

Viking Resource Hub

First-Generation Family Toolkit

Check out this toolkit that gives families a better understanding of the college experience, and to find all the tools you need to help your student succeed at Western.

First-Generation Family Toolkit

A Special Note about Fall Family Weekend

New Student Services/Family Outreach is currently in the process of releasing its hosting ownership of the annual Fall Family Weekend event.

Fall Family Weekend for 2024 will be October 18, 19, and 20!

Find more information, please see the new Fall Family Weekend website.

We always encourage families to come to Bellingham and visit! October is a lovely time to visit campus, and Whatcom County. If you and your student decide to spend time together this fall, or really, any time of the year, please let us know if you’re interested in local attractions, restaurant recommendations, or fun things to do around the city and county.

And our Campus Orientation Events page is still a great place to check for updates and links to other campus events and offerings: nssfo.wwu.edu/campus-orientation-events

Quick Links to Commonly Requested Resources

Check Out Scholarships and Student Employment with the Financial Aid Department

Make A Payment with the Student Business Office

Be Well WWU with the Counseling and Wellness Center

Encourage Your Student to Use Resources Offered at the Career Services Center

Support Your Student with Finding Connection at WWU

Continue to Support Your Student's Academics and Connect with Western Alerts

And Don't Forget We Have Office Hours!

Coffee, Tea and Family

Family Outreach Virtual Office Hours are available to parents/families of new and current students.

New Student Services/Family Outreach has virtual office hours available for families each week in Zoom. Sign up for Coffee, Tea and Family, a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with NSSFO's Family Outreach Manager to ask questions, learn about campus support services and resources, and about available tools and opportunities to keep you connected with Western.

Book a Meeting Now

These meetings can be recorded by NSSFO upon request.